Premier League Betting: Maurizio Sarri odds-on to leave Chelsea before next season

Oliver Lines

Betting Writer

15:15 GMT 13/02/2019

The Italian is under pressure after a poor run of domestic form and the latest odds suggest he may be relieved of his duties sooner rather than later

Chelsea are odds-on to be searching for another new manager before next season after a dismal start to 2019.

William Hill make it 8/11 (1.73) that Maurizio Sarri leaves the club before the new campaign gets underway, with pressure mounting on the Italian following a run of just two wins in his last six Premier League games.

Since beating champions Manchester City 2-0 on December 8, Chelsea have lost four times in the league - including a recent 6-0 humiliation at the Etihad Stadium and a 4-0 drubbing at Bournemouth.

A spot in the Premier League top four is slipping away from the sixth-place Londoners, though, so lifting the Europa League could be their optimal route back into the Champions League next season.

There is also the matter of the Carabao Cup final on February 24 when Chelsea meet Pep Guardiola’s City at Wembley, where they Sarri's side will be around 2/1 (3.0) underdogs based on the latest odds.

Indeed, all is not lost for the Italian as the Blues are only one point back from Manchester United in fourth in the league, and William Hill go Evens (2.0) that he is manager on the first day of next season.

Chelsea have the fourth-best home record in the league this season and have won all six away matches they have played against teams currently 11th or below in the Premier League, but their recent showings have left a lot to be desired.

Sarri’s predecessor Antonio Conte found himself under similar pressure this time last year when Chelsea were on their way to winning just three league games in 11 – a run that included a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth.

Conte did survive until the end of the season but would eventually go on to be fired in the summer after failing to reach the top four, with FA Cup glory unable to satisfy the board.

William Hill also offer betting on Sarri's replacement, with Zinedine Zidane 6/5 (2.20) favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard available at 7/2 (4.50).